Chapter 5
I WENT TO THE guild’s main building extra early after waking up. I wanted first dibs on the morning’s quests posted on the bulletin board. I needed something that could be done by noon, so I could do more research in the archives afterward. I’d already gathered a substantial amount of basic knowledge about this world. Now, I needed to familiarize myself with various documents and materials, using the auto-translation feature, in order to learn vocabulary unique to this world.
I had reached a proficient level in the Orland Common Language, so I could handle everyday conversations, but my vocabulary needed work. The next step was to learn the unique terms and names related to magic in this world.
While searching for a quest that would allow me time for study, I came across an elimination quest that seemed to require several days, rather than half a day. It was for eliminating harpies—a humanoid species with a human’s upper body and a bird’s lower body. They had wings for arms and so were adept at aerial attacks.
While goblins and orcs were male-only species, harpies were exclusively female. And like the goblins and orcs who kidnapped human or beastkin females for breeding, harpies kidnapped human or beastkin males. They didn’t keep them around, though. Once they consumed their victims’ testes for self-fertilization, the carnivorous monsters would consume the other soft organs and discard the leftover, tough, muscular parts. As a result, harpy nests and feeding sites were gruesome. The scattered carrion attracted other carnivores and diseases, making surrounding areas dangerous.
The quest’s location was near Monesia Village, north of the Fortress City of Balga. The proof of elimination was twelve harpy tail feathers. This matched their confirmed numbers, meaning the quest’s goal was total annihilation. The reward was twenty silver coins per tail feather and fifty guild points for each participant.
This quest required at least six participants and was open to E to B-ranks. The departure was scheduled for the next morning. The fact that the quest form was still posted meant that the participant count hadn’t reached six.
I was interested in this quest because it required multiple participants. During my research in the archives, I’d learned that the magic, skills, and abilities unique here were things I wanted to witness firsthand, as much as possible. Aiming to become a D-rank adventurer and labyrinth explorer, I planned to complete as many quests as possible alone. But to do so, I needed to assess how far my VMB abilities would work in this world. I also wanted to know more about the power of this world’s magic, skills, and its basic combat methods. This quest seemed like a good start. I snatched it from the bulletin board and headed to reception.
“I want to accept this quest.”
“Welcome,” the receptionist said. “For this quest, I’ll need to verify your guild card. May I see it, please?”
The receptionist took and inserted my card into the crystal pedestal behind the counter. The wooden gears inside drummed briefly before returning my card.
“Your acceptance is complete. While this is a mixed quest, please prepare for the expedition individually. The target location is distant, so departure is scheduled for tomorrow morning. All participants must be present for departure with their completion reports. If contact is lost during the quest, rewards may be forfeited, and penalties may apply. Please be cautious.”
“Understood.”
“Take care and have a safe journey.”
I was in! Now I needed to gather food and tools for the expedition. Leaving the main building, I headed to the commercial district to gather the necessary supplies.